BMS/Celgene Post-Merger Early R&D Strategy: Partnerships Are Still Key, Vessey Says

Research and early development head Rupert Vessey, who had a similar role at Celgene, told Scrip that integration of the company’s pipeline into Bristol is nearly complete with few overlapping programs.

Bristol’s Rupert Vessey — Bristol's Rupert Vessey said deal-making will continue after the Celgene merger • Source: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

The integration of Celgene Corp.’s research, discovery, preclinical and early clinical development programs into Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.’s R&D pipeline is almost complete, but the combined company still is looking to add new drug candidates and technologies from external partners, Bristol’s Rupert Vessey, executive vice president of research and early development, told Scrip in a recent interview.

Vessey, who had a similar role at Celgene before the companies completed their $76bn merger, said on the sidelines of the J.P

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First Blood-Based Test Cleared For Alzheimer’s Boosts Anti-Amyloid Drugs

19 May 2025

• By Mandy Jackson

The US FDA approval of Fujirebio’s Lumipulse should boost access to medicines like Eisai’s Leqembi and Lilly’s Kisunla; the firms are praising patients’ access to earlier diagnoses.